Animal Husbandry and World Bank Lead Avian Influenza Response Simulation in Bhopal

In an era marked by increasing zoonotic diseases, initiatives like the Avian Influenza Outbreak and Response Simulation Exercise play a pivotal role in fortifying health systems worldwide.

In a proactive move amidst recent outbreaks of Avian Influenza across Kerala and growing global concerns over cross-species transmission, the Department of Animal Husbandry, in collaboration with the World Bank, has initiated an Avian Influenza Outbreak and Response Simulation Exercise in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. Scheduled for June 19th and 20th, 2024, this workshop marks a critical juncture in enhancing preparedness and response capabilities against the escalating threat of avian influenza.

The inauguration of the two-day workshop was led by Dr. Abhijit Mitra, Animal Husbandry Commissioner, DAHD, in the presence of Shri. Gulshan Bamra, Principal Secretary of the Department of Animal Husbandry, Government of Madhya Pradesh, Dr. Hikuepi (Epi) Katjiuongua, Senior Agriculture Economist at the World Bank, and Dr. Atul Srivastava, Principal Chief Wildlife Warden, Government of Madhya Pradesh.

Forty participants representing various sectors crucial to combating avian influenza are attending the simulation exercise. These include human health experts from the National Centre for Disease Control, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India; representatives from the Animal Husbandry Sector including the Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Government of India, and State AHD; wildlife experts from the Zoo and WWF; laboratory specialists from ICAR-NIHSAD, RDDLs, CDDL, and State Veterinary Laboratories from Kerala, Odisha, and Madhya Pradesh; and international organizations such as WHO and OFFLU. This diverse participation underscores a collaborative, One Health approach in tackling the formidable challenges posed by avian influenza outbreaks.

Facilitated by Dr. Lidewij Wiersma, a World Bank expert, and Dr. Frank Wong, an Avian Influenza specialist from CSIRO-Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness, the simulation exercise focuses on key objectives. These include enhancing capabilities in outbreak detection, refining rapid response strategies, and improving inter-agency coordination to effectively manage and contain the spread of avian influenza. Participants engage in interactive scenarios designed to replicate real-life outbreak situations, providing hands-on experience in crisis management.

In an era marked by increasing zoonotic diseases, initiatives like the Avian Influenza Outbreak and Response Simulation Exercise play a pivotal role in fortifying health systems worldwide. The Department of Animal Husbandry and the World Bank reaffirm their commitment to collaborative efforts aimed at mitigating the impact of avian influenza, safeguarding both human and animal health.